Obama praises nominee for ambassador to Japan

By The Associated Press
| 1:45 p.m.Aug. 6, 2009

President Barack Obama meets with Ambassador-designate to Japan John Roos, center, Thursday, Aug. 6, 2009, in the Oval Office of the White House in Washington. At left is National Security Adviser James Jones. (AP Photo/Gerald Herbert)
— AP

President Barack Obama meets with Ambassador-designate to Japan John Roos, center, Thursday, Aug. 6, 2009, in the Oval Office of the White House in Washington. At left is National Security Adviser James Jones. (AP Photo/Gerald Herbert)
/ AP

WASHINGTON 
President Barack Obama says his nominee for ambassador to Japan will be able to communicate directly with him on U.S.-Japanese issues.

Obama said Thursday he placed great thought into choosing lawyer and campaign fundraiser John Roos to oversee what Obama called a crucial diplomatic relationship.

Obama's endorsement could ease concerns in Japan that arose from the nomination of Roos, who was relatively unknown outside of legal and fundraising circles. Several previous ambassadors to Tokyo have been high-profile officials.

Obama called Roos a close friend who "will be able to advise me directly." He praised Roos' "superb judgment and "outstanding intellect."